Episode 1: US 1 – Holland 1

This was a strange game. The Dutch managed the midfield play for much of the first half and scored a fine goal against the run of play. Manchester City’s Jill Roord coordinated the Dutch resistance and scored the goal. Rose Lavelle was introduced at halftime and the US gained more superiority. Horan, in particular, was more effective in this new partnership. We had an excellent perspective on both goals and the other action at that end of the field.

Horan exhorting her teammates. Coach Andonovski spent a lot of time alone in the coaching box.

Horan clashed with her Lyon club teammate, Van de Donk, early in the second half and, with a flash of angry energy, met Lavelle’s corner and flicked a header into the net. There has been much speculation about why the U.S. made no more subs in the second half but no good answers. We noted that the reserves spent much of the game warming up behind the goals, in small groups at first but by the end everyone was out.

Rapinoe’s comment the day after the game about being too narrow are spot on. But also true is that Rodman and Smith got no joy from their encounters with the Dutch fullbacks. The switched sides a few times in the first half to no avail.

Episode 2: Sweden 5 -Italy 0

Italy had a fiery start and were defensively solid until Sweden curled some precise corner kicks into the packed six-yard box. One was a close thing but the next three were scored, two headers and a knee. Italy were dazed and confused to be three behind at halftime. Another headed goal from a corner shortly after the half put the result beyond doubt. A breakaway goal near the end was the icing on the cake. This was a bonus game for us in Wellington, getting tickets just the day before. FIFA’s digital ticket system has worked seamlessly and ticket resale prices are capped at 105% of the original ticket value, a very sensible policy.

New Zealand’s dream comes to an end

The Football Ferns can be proud of their work in their first World Cup. They bravely tried to match their performance in the opening game but came up short. But there have been huge spin-off benefits from the team’s appearance and their spirited approach.

Here’s a poster in a Wellington shop that tells part of the story. In a nation where Rugby is practically a religion, this is a major change.

Episode 3: Japan 4 – Spain 0

Last night in Wellington we were fortunate to be at the best game of the tournament so far, Japan’s powerful and elegant demolishing of Spain. Japan launched an irrepressible press that completely disrupted any rhythm Spain hoped for. The Japanese are relentlessly effective at taking opportunities. Miyazawa raced by the Spanish defense after 12 minutes to score. Ueki cut inside from the left and shot but the defender’s block spun up and over the keeper for the second. Miyazawa struck again before the half, almost a copy of her first strike. Super sub Tanaka added a delightful fourth before the end.

Japan are a consummate team, a natural product of the communal culture of the country. There is a mysterious math to their formation: five at the back; seven or eight in the midfield; and, two or three up front. Spain lost count again and again. Japan are the only team with a perfect record, played three, won three, scored eleven and conceded no goals. Their goalkeeper, Yamashita, was largely untroubled by Spanish attacks but her distribution and goal kicks were exceptional. Japan are a very popular side with vocal supporters, many of whom are not Japanese.